Skip to content
fishregs

2026 regulation year

J. Percy Priest Lake Fishing License 2026

Last updated

Tennessee

Percy Priest is a US Army Corps reservoir, but fishing runs on the host state's license — no federal fishing permit is sold.

Quick answer

State fishing license applies

J. Percy Priest Lake runs on a Tennessee fishing licence — there is no Corps fishing permit. The US Army Corps of Engineers (Nashville District) operates the dam and recreation areas; the fishing rules are set by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

What to know before you fish Percy Priest

  • Percy Priest, on the Stones River just east of Nashville, is a popular largemouth, crappie, and white-bass fishery; Tennessee sets all limits.
  • Several Corps recreation areas and a wildlife management area border the lake — day-use and launch fees are separate from the fishing licence.
  • Verify the current Tennessee statewide and reservoir-specific limits before a trip.

How licensing works at Percy Priest

J. Percy Priest Lake is a US Army Corps of Engineers project, but fishing is governed by the host state's license — the Corps does not sell a fishing permit. Day-use, launch, and camping fees at Corps recreation areas are separate from your fishing license. On multi-state impoundments, check whether a joint-license arrangement lets one state's license cover the whole lake.

Compare what the Tennessee license costs on the non-resident fee table, or open the full Tennessee regulations.

Official source

J. Percy Priest Lake publishes its authoritative 2026 fishing rules on the page below. Regulations change annually — verify the current year before you fish.

tn.gov →

Percy Priest fishing license — FAQ

Do you need a fishing license to fish J. Percy Priest Lake?
Percy Priest is a US Army Corps reservoir, but fishing runs on the host state's license — no federal fishing permit is sold.
Who issues the fishing license for Percy Priest?
The host state's fish & wildlife agency issues the controlling fishing license for Percy Priest — the Tennessee license. There is no federal fishing permit to buy here.
Is your Tennessee fishing license valid in Percy Priest?
Yes — Percy Priest runs on the Tennessee fishing license. The same license you use elsewhere in Tennessee covers the unit's waters, subject to any unit-specific regulation that layers on top.
How do I check the current Percy Priest fishing rules?
J. Percy Priest Lake republishes its fishing regulations on an annual cycle. Verify the current 2026 rules on the official source linked on this page before you fish, and confirm any special-water restrictions on site.

Related federal & tribal waters

Up one level

← All National Park & tribal fishing licencesUS Army Corps of Engineers reservoir